CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, potassium

Facility: UCSF Health St. Mary's Hospital

Billing Code: 84132 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 84132
Insurance Median: $87
Cash Discount Price: $203
vs. Medicare Baseline: 18.28x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, potassium at UCSF Health St. Mary's Hospital is $87. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $203. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $4.76, this hospital’s rate is 18.28x the Medicare baseline. Located in 450 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$203

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$87

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$4.76

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $4.76 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $203 (4265%)

Insurance Median: $87 (1828%)

Cash: $203 (4265% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $87 (1828% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $4.76 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 1828% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1728%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Aetna	$5 - $26	105%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$5 - $118	105%
Blue Shield Ca	$5 - $290	105%
Brown Toland	$5	105%
California Health & Wellness	$5	105%
Chinese Community	$5 - $233	105%
Connected Care	$5	105%
Health Net	$5 - $7	105%
Health Plan San Mateo	$5	105%
Humana	$5	105%
Kaiser	$5 - $272	105%
Mhn	$5	105%
Partnership Health Plan	$5	105%
Sfhp	$5	105%
United	$5 - $6	105%
Kentfield	$14	294%
Oscar	$16	336%
Cigna	$21 - $22	441%
Magellan	$93 - $215	1954%
Healthsmart	$108 - $251	2269%
Multiplan	$129 - $297	2710%
Us Behavioral Health	$155 - $358	3256%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $203.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 84132.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm UCSF Health St. Mary's Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 84132.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.